Ottawa hardware store to convert to Ace Hardware

Home Hardware shoppers have undoubtedly noticed new signage and remodeling at the Ottawa store.

“We’re becoming a full blown Ace Hardware store,” said Jay O’Hara, Ace Hardware general manager who oversees the chain and is assisting with the Ottawa store. “All new products, all new fixtures, all new lighting, everything.”

O’Hara said the store will have more extensive departments.

“We’re growing all those categories. Whatever plumbing was before, it’ll probably be double that, same thing with electrical, with paint,” he said. “Painting will be automatic. We have an automatic tinter. None of this doing it by hand, it’s all automated. It’s awesome.”

He anticipates the remodel to be concluded by Thursday, Jan. 16.

Staffing will be the same minus one familiar face. Owner Ruth Snelting, who has been with the store since its inception, retired and the new owners are Chris, Maria and Trevor Amir. The Amirs own several Ace stores, including locations in Seneca, Sandwich, Princeton, Rochelle, Mahomet and Gibson City. The store at 814 Clinton St. opened in 2000 as part of Do it Best Corp.

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